There are many ways to show your dog that she is your best friend and an important member of your family.More >>

There are many ways to show your dog that she is your best friend and an important member of your family. From doing activities together to creating a space just for her, these are some easy ways you can strengthen your bond with your four-legged friend.More >>

Inviting guests to your home when you have a new or energetic dog can prove to be challenging. Just a little training -- for both your dog and your guests -- will make visits more enjoyable for everyone.More >>

Inviting guests to your home when you have a new or energetic dog can prove to be challenging. Just a little training -- for both your dog and your guests -- will make visits more enjoyable for everyone.More >>

Since your dog hasn't mastered speaking in words yet, you may wonder how you can tell if your dog is feeling okay. It turns out, many of the clues can come from just looking at your dog and reading his body language.More >>

Since your dog hasn't mastered speaking in words yet, you may wonder how you can tell if your dog is feeling okay. It turns out, many of the clues can come from just looking at your dog and reading his body language.More >>

Boarding your dog can be a stressful time for both you and your pooch. If you take the time to prep ahead of time, however, there’s no reason the time your furry friend spends being boarded can’t be both fun and stress free.More >>

Boarding your dog can be a stressful time for both you and your pooch. If you take the time to prep ahead of time, however, there’s no reason the time your furry friend spends being boarded can’t be both fun and stress free.More >>

Over the past few years there has been a lot of talk about specific dog breeds that are "hypoallergenic" and perfect for families with members who have pet allergies. Is this talk fact or fiction?More >>

Over the past few years there has been a lot of talk about specific dog breeds that are "hypoallergenic" and perfect for families with members who have pet allergies. Is this talk fact or fiction?More >>

"There are foods on the market which are very easy and tasty for your dog but don't provide the highest nutrition," says Dr. Katy Nelson, a Virginia-based veterinarian who has consulted on the nutritional makeup of dog food products. "Even though your pet may be excited about what's in their bowl, it won't necessarily glow afterwards, just like people who regret those visits to fast food restaurants."

Avoid "Fast" Dog Food

How can we tell the difference? Like with fast food for people, very inexpensive dog food may indicate a less nutritious meal.

"Generally, the higher-priced premium brands have higher-quality ingredients, as well as specialized nutrients," says Dr. Amy Dicke, a veterinarian who also consults on the nutritional aspects of pet food. As a general rule, it's wise to feed your pet the best food you can afford.

"From foods which use human-quality sources, to foods which use the scraps off of the slaughterhouse floor, you truly do get what you pay for most of the time," says Nelson.

After price, look at the list of ingredients. Just like we screen our food labels for unsaturated fats or high fructose corn syrup, there are things to look out for on dog food ingredients lists.

Because ingredients are listed in order of quantity, "always look at the first three ingredients on your pet food's bag," says Nelson. "If there is corn or something with the word ‘gluten' in those first few ingredients, step away and keep looking." Gluten, a vegetable protein, is a cheap alternative to protein from animal sources. But animal protein is more nutritious for your pet.

Spotting Good Dog Food

Although it's not a panacea, there is a seal of approval you can look for. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides pet food guidelines and regulates the naming of ingredients.

"AAFCO's nutritional adequacy statement identifies the food is nutritionally complete and balanced and contains all of the required nutrients," says Dicke.

Many foods are tailored to special circumstances, like a dog's health or age. Dicke says these claims are also regulated by AAFCO. Choosing the right one for your dog just involves matching your dog to the goal of the product, which typically falls into the following three categories:

1) Age: Growing puppies (0 to 24 months), healthy adults and senior dogs (5 years giant breeds and 7 years and older for other breeds) all have different nutritional profiles.

2) Body/activity: According to Dicke, "Pets that are overweight or underweight need different nutrition than those who are at optimal weight. Pets who get lots of exercise also have different nutritional requirements." These food labels include weight control, performance or maintenance.

3) Health history: Your dog may have a condition requiring a therapeutic, or prescription, formula. For instance, dogs with sensitive stomachs can benefit from foods containing prebiotics. These nondigestible food ingredients stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria that help the digestive system. Other blends are specialized for heart health, dental health, bone/joint health and more.

Ask Your Doctor

In the end, however, Nelson says the most important thing is to discuss your dog's food options with your veterinarian. In fact, she says the biggest mistake people make when choosing food is seeking advice from the sales associate at the pet store rather than their veterinarian.

"Your veterinarian can help you find the food that's best because they know the particular issues that your pet deals with," she says. "Your veterinarian has the best interests of your pet in mind."

Brad Kloza is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine and Discover.

Copyright (c) 2010 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.